Beyond the Divorce

I was seething, and our exchange was nothing short of a verbal sparring match.

"You should know better than anyone that it's never too late to mend fences. Don't dwell on irrelevant things," I countered sharply.

"I conduct myself with transparency. Please don't judge my integrity based on your small-mindedness. It was my work, not spersonal connection, that got the project in Bourdamun. Don't try your tricks on me! "The only way to defeat Liora is through your own actions. Use your brain. Why do you think she is withdrawing funds now? She clearly believes she has secured Avalon Hills, and she's trying to capitalize on this opportunity to take over Ardora." Both of us were aware of the unspoken truth, but we were avoiding the issue. If I were to gloss over it, he wouldn't realize his mistakes.

"Matthew, your current situation is entirely your fault. How could the wolf have entered the house if you had pursued development without colluding with the Thompson family?" Matthew couldn't contain himself as I spoke these words.

"Enough already, Chloe. I asked for your help to devise a solution, not for you to act all high and mighty, lecturinglike a saint. What right do you have to shout and scream at me? You're noble, and you're awesome. I got it." Apparently, my arguments were hitting a nerve with his pride.

"Fine, let's just forget I said anything," I said, walking toward the exit.

Matthew hesitated, then ran over, blocking my path. He looked athelplessly.

"Chlo, can we talk calmly? Why would I seek your assistance if I wasn't backed into a corner? I just don't want others to seeas a joke. Only you understand me. I still care about my reputation, but I can't overcthis hurdle." His sudden admission caughtoff guard. To be honest, I wasn't feeling great either.

"I've said it before, only you can save yourself." I stood at the doorway, looking at him. My tone softened a bit. "She just wants to negotiate with you to change ownership. You can seize her psychological weakness and fight her with her tactics." This was my pointer to him. However, he looked atwith confusion.

Just then, the food I ordered arrived.

Matthew immediately saw it as a lifeline and pulledinto an embrace. "Look, your food is here. Eat first before leaving, okay? Don't go on an empty stomach." S I struggled for a moment, shaking off his hand. "If you have something to say, say it. But don't touch me!" His touch was still repulsive to me. It made my stomach churn every time.

Seeing his hopeful eyes, I reluctantly gave could returned. Besides, I t just stand by and wa Liora withdraw from Ardort SW belongs to englishS Content I have to help Matthew get through this. Only then can I complete my plan. Otherwise, all my efforts would be wasted.

Matthew's face lit up with a relieved е smile when I turned back. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

"Thank you, Chlo! I knew you still cared about me!" Św"Enough, don't make it sound so cheesy. I just don't want you bothering me!" I started eating since I was hungry and genuinely tired. Particularly now that I was overcwith fatigue. Matthew quickly picked a dish for me. Since our separation, this was the first twe ate at the stable. Suddenly, I thought of Atlas. I hoped that the seat oppositewould always be Atlas's. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

While eating and facing Matthew, I said, "Are all of Ardora's projects currently in your hands?" This question caught Matthew off guard, and he seemed to be contemplating whether or not to tellthe truth. This action conveyed that he still hadn't fully trusted me.